Uzodimma Raises Doctors’ Pay to ?533,000, Approves ?104,000 Minimum Wage for Imo Workers

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has approved a major wage review for civil servants, pegging the new minimum wage in the state at ?104,000, while medical doctors in the state civil service will now earn ?533,000 monthly.

The governor made the announcement on Tuesday during a meeting with labour leaders at the Government House, Owerri. He confirmed that the revised salary structure will take effect from August 2025.

“This is our investment in Imo people” – Uzodimma

Uzodimma said the decision was informed by the state’s improved revenue profile, noting that Imo’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had risen from ?400 million to over ?3 billion monthly, while federal allocations also increased significantly.

“In 2020, we were receiving between ?5 billion and ?7 billion as allocation. Today, it has increased to ?14 billion. Our debt profile has also reduced from over ?280 billion to less than ?100 billion,” he said.

The governor said higher wages would boost productivity, improve family welfare, and stimulate economic activity in the state.

Pensions and Reforms

Uzodimma also disclosed that the state government will resume gratuity payments, with the final batch of ?16 billion owed pensioners scheduled for disbursement from August 27, 2025.

He highlighted reforms across infrastructure, healthcare, and security, including the introduction of a state health insurance scheme, massive road construction, and investments in public safety.

Labour Leaders React

The wage review was warmly received by labour unions. The state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, described it as “a victory for the entire workforce,” noting that Imo is now among the highest-paying states in Nigeria.

“Today, no worker in Imo will say the governor has not been fair to us,” Nwigwe said, assuring that workers would reciprocate with diligence and efficiency.

Similarly, the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Uchenna Ibe, commended Uzodimma for his “strong political will” in pushing through the reforms.